It’s Material is a social impact company that strengthens connection for change.
We have a particular focus on “arenas” with huge potential for transformation (as well as incremental change!): finance, tech, sports, and all things built environment, i.e. infrastructure, buildings, architecture, engineering and construction.
We support companies, foundations, non-profits and coalitions with:
Proudly based in Queens, NYC. Working locally and globally.
It’s Material was founded by Annabel Short. Annabel has two decades’ leadership experience advancing social and environmental change at the local and international levels. Projects are in close partnership with others, bringing in expertise from a wide and diverse network.
Get in touch: annabel @ its-material.com
Why “It’s Material”?
- Because when it comes to what is really material in our lives, there is often more that connects than divides us.
- Because there is a lot to learn from the constituent parts of a product or process (including building materials!).
- Because it’s important to connect bottom-line materiality for business with what’s material to the future of people and the planet.
- And because everyone has unique material that they bring to the table.
How we work
All our work helps strengthen connection for forward-momentum.
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
Expanding whose voices are heard and engaged, and how.
For example “Youth Media Forward” for the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, “30th Ave – A Year in the Life of a Street”, “Building NYC“, and “I live here – Queens“
EDUCATION AND LEARNING
Small or larger professional educational initiatives, harnessing interactive ways of learning.
For example, designing and co-Directing a global professional certificate on social impact in the built environment, and bringing on board an inspiring faculty of 20 experts.
RESEARCH AND WRITING
Foundational research that joins dots, identifies new frames, sets an agenda for change.
For example “Dignity by Design” and “Building for Today and the Future” for IHRB; “100 union actions for climate justice” and “Migration, Climate and Construction” for Building & Woodworkers International.
FACILITATION
From single retreats for boards and teams, to complex coalitions – creating the structures for connection and forward-momentum.
For example, co-facilitating the FORGE Funders collaborative of nine private foundations through its start-up phase, coalition leadership and strategy with ALIGN (Alliance for a Greater New York).
STRATEGY
Support with smart, effective strategy, and board service. (I am on the boards of Home.Earth, an innovative Danish real estate company, and CityLimits, an NYC news outlet covering housing and community engagement).
Building on extensive organizational and programmatic strategy when in the leadership team of the global Business & Human Rights Centre 2003-17; and launching and leading a global built environment program with IHRB, Rafto Foundation, Raoul Wallenberg Institute and Melbourne School of Design.
Visit us on social: